Benicia, California
Benicia, California is home to some of the top outdoor adventures and must-visit attractions. Among the best trails and outdoor activities is the scenic Benicia State Recreation Area. This trail offers a moderate difficulty level, perfect for a leisurely hike. It features a beautiful lake and unique rock formations that add to the charm of the trail. Another notable attraction is the Dillon Point, a rocky outcrop that provides a panoramic view of the Carquinez Strait. The Benicia Marina is also a popular spot for boating and fishing. Nearby, the Matthew Turner Shipyard Park allows for leisurely picnics with a view of the waterfront. For bird watchers, the Southampton Bay Wetland Natural Preserve is a must-visit. These outdoor activities make Benicia a prime destination for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures.
Top Spots in and near Benicia
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Burlingame, California
Ed Taylor Loop Trail
4.01.42 mi / 295 ft gainThis hike can be done at any time of year. Hiking in winter and spring means that many varieties of wildflowers will be present, and the creek will have much more water. Summer and fall mean higher temperatures and drier conditions, but the hike is still a pleasant experience. Begin the hike at ...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Mori Point Loop
4.82.54 mi / 276 ft gainStart at the parking lots close to the pier, where bathrooms are also available. Walk along the pier to watch the sunset as it begins. Next, walk along Sharp Park Beach to discover the plethora of wild flowers and friendly locals always ready to guide you on your walk. Take the stairs up to the...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Rockaway Beach
5.0Rockaway is a dark sandy beach located in the south of Pacifica, CA. It has numerous hiking trails around it, most notably Mori Point. The Mori Point trail will take you through the hills and overlooks Rockaway Beach. There are paths to come down to the beach. There are biking paths and park...Read more -
Santa Rosa, California
Hood Mountain Summit Via Lower and Upper Johnson Ridge Trails
5.95 mi / 2054 ft gainHood Mountain Summit via the Lower Johnson and Upper Johnson Ridge Trails is a 6 mile out-and-back trek located in Santa Rosa, CA. The trailhead starts at the Pythian Road parking lot, accessed from Highway 12. The hike takes 3.5 to 4 hours to complete and is considered strenuous. All trails are...Read more -
Fremont, California
Lake Elizabeth Loop
3.02.1 mi / 69 ft gainLake Elizabeth is located in central Fremont. It offers a nice break from the city streets and can be enjoyed by walkers, joggers, and bikers alike. It is a park for all ages. Other attractions include volleyball nets, multiple playgrounds, and aqua adventure park, geese, and peddle boats. ...Read more -
Pacifica, CaliforniaSurf at Pacifica State Beach
4.5If you're looking for a place to surf and Ocean Beach isn't quite your speed or Santa Cruz is too far, head to Pacifica, specifically Linda Mar. Linda Mar is usually more wind protected and user-friendly than ocean beach. Break out your longboard or hybrid board and head to this beach. There is e...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Montara Mountain Trail
5.06.77 mi / 1900 ft gainMontara Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you through a forest out to ocean views at the top of Montara Mountain. This hike located near Pacifica, California. and can be accessed from Highway 1 as well. If you're looking to do a similar loop hike from the coast, consider Montara Mountain ...Read more -
Pacifica, CaliforniaBrooks Falls Loop
4.02.26 mi / 781 ft gainBrooks Falls Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Pacifica, California.Read more -
Point Reyes Station, California
Sky Trail Loop
5.09.55 mi / 1818 ft gainSky Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore is a dramatic, mostly single-track trail that runs along the main spine of the Inverness Ridge and across highest mountains in Point Reyes, looming above the Olema Valley and Highway 1 which mark the San Andreas Fault rift zone and the dividing line betw...Read more -
Point Reyes Station, California
Sky Campground via Sky Trail
2.66 mi / 495 ft gainEntering Point Reyes National Seashore from Bear Valley Road the Sky Trailhead is a 4.9 mile drive. Camping in Sky Camp requires a Camping Permit. Once at the Sky Trailhead parking lot. The Sky Trailhead will be on the left side pulling in. The hike is not very strenuous and not all that lo...Read more -
Livermore, California
East Shore Trail Loop
4.45 mi / 1089 ft gainThis hike is best done during the spring, fall, or winter when moderate temperatures make the hike more comfortable. Be warned that this hike has a large elevation change despite being about 4.5 miles. Starting at the Arroyo Road Staging Area, take the East Shore Trail east, heading towards a s...Read more -
San Mateo, California
Sugarloaf Mountain
5.01.64 mi / 417 ft gainSugarloaf is tucked away in Laurelwood Park which is located in a residential neighborhood right off of Hwy 92 in San Mateo, making this a great hiking & trail running option for Peninsula residents. I always park on Glendora Dr. and follow the paved path down towards the playground. At the ...Read more -
San Mateo County, California
Sawyer Camp Trail
5.011.61 mi / 1152 ft gainThe Sawyer Camp Trail is a popular paved trail that stretches alongside the Crystal Springs Reservoir all the way to Hillcrest Blvd. The sixth mile crosses over the San Andreas Dam with nice views of San Andreas Lake. There are markers every half mile which makes timing and tracking your run eas...Read more -
Santa Rosa, California
Gunsight Rock via Hood Mountain Trail
5.07.91 mi / 2372 ft gainHike to Gunsight Rock through Hood Mountain Regional Park to get a view overlooking Sonoma and Napa Valley. In order to get to the trailhead take Highway 12 to Los Alamos Rd, the road will then turn into Timberline Dr, this will take you to the trailhead. There is a parking fee of $8. From the p...Read more -
Inverness, California
S.S. Point Reyes Shipwreck
3.9Explore the shipwreck of the S.S. Point Reyes, perched on a sand bar off the shoreline of Tomales Bay. It is located in the small town of Inverness, just behind the grocery store. If you are driving North on Sir Francis Drake Blvd it will be on your right side. Parking is easy and you will see a ...Read more -
Point Reyes Station, California
Coast Campground via Laguna Trailhead
4.34.02 mi / 633 ft gainThis campground is the closest you can get to staying overnight on Pt. Reyes coastline if you're backpacking in. Once you get there, enjoy the view! The easiest way to get to the camp is from the slightly uphill hike along the Laguna Trail and the Firelane Trail. The trailhead for the Laguna Tra...Read more
